Poland is undoubtedly a beautiful country, which has really a lot to offer, especially in the holiday season, when we can enjoy not only beautiful weather, but we have also a little bit more time for getting to know the history of surrounding us places. If you still have some days off and you feel like visiting a castle with soul, I believe that the castle in Wiśnicz will meet your expectations well.
The castle in Wiśnicz is situated in the village of Stary Wiśnicz by the River Leksandrówka, and was built in the second half of the fourteenth century by Jan Kmita. The building was based on the plan of the quadrilateral in the Baroque architectural style with some Renaissance elements and the inner courtyard. There are towers in each corner of the castle. One can also find there a chapel with the vault of the Lubomirski family and an unattached Kmitówka. While entering the second floor, just next to the Knight’s Hall, the visitors can admire the lookout gallery. The whole building is surrounded by the bastion fortifications with a beautiful entrance gate dated back to the beginning of the seventeenth century.
An interesting fact is that the castle in Wiśnicz is related to the tradition of culinary arts. One of the most popular books, including recipes of various meals collected by the head chef working for prince Lubomirski – Stanisław Czarnecki was titled ‘Compendium’.
Over hundreds of years the castle was totally destroyed, however nowadays it’s in quite a good condition. There are still carried out some renovation works on the premises, but despite this fact they don’t lose their character. In the chambers of the castle its visitors can admire old photos, nineteenth and twentieth century furniture, miniature models of the castle presenting it during different historical periods. Tourists can also see such rooms as: the ballroom; the plafond room with a gilded ceiling; the acoustic room, which had a function of a place in which people used to confess; the castle chapel and the vault with the exposition of six sarcophagi.
When you complete sightseeing the castle, it’s good to stay for a while in the coffee shop which will offer you delicious cakes, coffee, tea, wine and beer. After a moment of relaxation it’s worth making use of an extra tourist attraction, namely Bastion VR – a virtual presentation with the use of a device called Occulus – during which you can watch the interior of the castle, everyday life of its residents, as well as the adjacent terrain flying as a bat. It will provide you with some amazing experiences and it will be a wonderful completion of your visit to the castle.
Long-distance travels to remote exotic corners of the world can give us some magical moments, however it’s also worth getting to know the history of your own homeland, and at the same time a very beautiful country like Poland. I hope that I’ve managed to convince you to visit this truly magical and full of history place, as it’s certainly worth it. And which is your favorite castle?
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
Photos by: Darek Sobula
Exploring castles reminds me of when I was a kid. We used to always travel to Europe and explore ruins! It was so much fun! I wish we could do more of that now. I am sure when my son gets older, my husband and I will want to do that for him!
Oh my goodness, this is absolutely so beautiful! I would love the opportunity to explore here somday. Thanks for sharing!
I have always wanted to explore a castle. Thanks to your pictures I have been able to do just that.
What a cool spot! I love history, so I'd be all about exploring this castle.
I LOVE castles! We love checking out old buildings and history. I adore architecture and history - a lot. Beautiful photos!
What a majestic place! I like to contemplate architectures from different time periods. How amazing that they have an antique cooking book!! Got me intrigued about the recipes that contain.
What a great place to visit! I love to visit castles and have been wanting to visit Poland! I'll have to add this on my list of stops for whenever we make the trip!
my nine year old daughter has asked me to take her to Poland. She loves travelling and wants to make that one of the next countries she goes to.
I've always enjoyed exploring castles and unique locations, especially in countries in Europe. They have such a long history that you never know what you might learn.
Wow, this castle looks amazing! I have always wanted to visit one.
I love that in a little time you can go from city to somewhere that you can get in touch with nature, culture, History and a less advanced way of life.
This is such a beautiful castle. I love to learn the history of a place and I love exploring. I love your pics, they are amazing. This castle has great architecture, simply beautiful.
You know I have never been inside a real castle. It would be a dream to visit Europe and tour some castles!
First of all, the ceilings look breath taking! Second, I am astonished with all it's architecture. I will ran out of film if I was using an old camera.